Mobile Devices UnConf08

Owned by Jim Helwig
Last updated: Oct 07, 2008Version comment
2 min read

UI Design Patterns

  • patterns.littlespringsdesign.com

Who's doing stuff with Mobile Devices?

  • stanford.terriblyclever.com
  • iphoneapps.cit.cornell.edu (locked down at this point)
  • RPI
    • focusing on Blackberry for apps
    • version of departmental web site for mobile devices
      • Just making it smaller didn't work; don't just mobile-enable everything; focus on compelling content; put the content in one known place instead of shrinking existing sites
      • Not worrying about type of device; too many variables
      • Identified set of content and target audiences (calendaring, sports scores (esp. alumni), how to get around campus)
      • Approached service providers but they are not that interested

Devices

  • There is a wide range of devices and capabilities; May want to consider targeting particular devices
  • Instead of focusing on devices, wrap you head around what the mobile paradigm is
  • Cornell focuses on iPhone/iPod Touch because of the penetration in the student body
  • Administration/facstaff may use Blackberries while students use iPhone

App/Content development

  • iPhone app development is a bit locked down; various distribution methods but this can be the complex part
  • Indiana University has a mobility committee (as part of their strategic planning). Research is being done on effort to develop apps. They are looking at developing for a variety of devices. Trying 'classified' app as both a native app as well as web app.
  • Cornell has advanced technology group that has been looking at this and developing some applications. (e.g. looking at mobile-enabled the Kuali action list/to do list)

Support

  • No one reported having a dedicated team for supporting mobile devices
  • While we will always be behind in our support, we at least want to 'be in the game'
  • It will be important to track penetration and use of mobile devices
  • UW-Madison survey reports 12% smart phone ownership by students and 14% by facstaff

GPS

  • RPI has thought about using GPS for helping locate campus resources
  • One university reports using GPS to track locations of campus shuttles
  • GPS and Campus Map would help answer the "where am I?" question

Future

  • Enabling payments
  • ticketing gate for mobile devices
  • 'check in' during emergencies (Maybe Berkley or Stanford may have done something)
  • Access to restricted areas
  • 2nd factor authentication (service calls phone, reply with '#' key)
  • Yale uses cell phone to register parking space and pay for it